Commercial Electrical Service designs, installs, and maintains intricate power and lighting systems in business environments. This crucial work impacts everything from a building’s productivity and appearance to its safety and security.

In contrast to residential wiring, which features non-metallic sheathed wires, commercial properties utilize conduits made of metal or plastic to house individual THHN wiring. In addition, they require more specialized energy distribution panels to handle the increased power demands of commercial equipment.

Commercial electrical systems demand a much larger power capacity than residential properties to accommodate heavy equipment and machinery. This variance in voltage levels necessitates a highly specialized approach and expertise from electrical technicians for proper design, installation, and maintenance.

Electrical systems for commercial properties often feature multiple distribution panels and circuits to accommodate the wide variety of devices, appliances, and machinery used in these spaces. Commercial electrical systems may also employ advanced technologies like automation and energy management systems to optimize power usage and reduce operating costs.

Breaker Panel Essentials

The breaker panel is the heart of any building’s electrical system. It receives a large incoming electricity supply from the utility company and distributes it throughout your premises in smaller protected feeds. This process is known as AC power, which stands for alternating current. Alternating current powers your equipment by double-backing on itself in a series of cycles measured in Hertz.

To ensure that your breaker panel has enough capacity to support all of your equipment, we’ll add up the total wattage of all of the devices and machinery you plan on using in your business and then compare that number to your breaker panel’s available amperage. Insufficient amperage can lead to a variety of problems, including frequent breaker trips and acrid smells or discoloration around power outlets.

Commercial electrical services also include a full range of safety measures and compliance with local codes and regulations, such as installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection in wet locations to prevent electric shock hazards. We’ll also make sure that outlets are spaced out adequately, limiting the need for extension cords, which can pose a fire hazard if overused.

Voltage Levels

There are several voltage levels associated with commercial electricity service. These levels include high, medium, and low voltage, and each one has its own range. Generally speaking, low voltage is used for lighting fixtures and smaller appliances, while higher voltages are typically used for larger equipment like motors. The difference in voltage levels is related to the way electrical devices are rated, and also has to do with the power consumption of the device or machine.

Most businesses will have to select the appropriate voltage level during the installation process. This decision should be based on the electrical load requirements of the business, and any future scalability needs. It’s recommended to consult with a professional commercial electrician for assistance in making this important decision.

In the United States, the standard voltage level for most outlets is 120 volts. This voltage is commonly used to power lights, small appliances and office equipment. Other common commercial voltage levels include 208 volts and 600 volts. These voltage levels are often found in larger commercial facilities and will be provided by a step-down service transformer.

Transmission voltage is used to transport electricity over long distances from the power plant. This is typically accomplished using insulated, heavy-gauge wires, which are designed to resist overheating and electromagnetic phenomena.

High and extra-high voltages are used to transmit power over extremely long distances. The increased power efficiency of these higher transmission levels allows for thinner, lighter-weight cables, which reduces the overall cost of the tower and electrical line construction. Furthermore, transmission at these higher voltage levels helps reduce the frequency of line losses, which are a significant contributor to retail power costs.

Load Calculations

One of the first steps in determining power requirements is to perform electrical load calculations. This can be done either manually or using software designed for the task. The calculations themselves are based on the National Electric Code (NEC), specifically Articles 220 and 231.

Commercial buildings consume significant amounts of energy. The process of calculating the load helps ensure that the building’s power supply and distribution systems can meet the demand without risking overloads, which can lead to fires and other safety issues. It also enables energy efficiency by identifying areas where electricity use can be reduced, leading to lower utility bills.

The process of calculating the load begins by identifying all of the electrical loads in the building. This includes lighting fixtures, receptacles, HVAC equipment and motors. The wattage of each of these electrical devices is determined, and the individual circuits are sized based on their wattage demands. Once the individual circuits are sized, they are grouped together and divided into continuous and non-continuous categories. Continuous loads are expected to run for three hours or more, while non-continuous loads are used only intermittently.

A final step involves applying load factors and demand factors to the group of connected loads. This ensures that the electrical service equipment is sized appropriately, and it allows for flexibility in future expansions and upgrades.

This is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is necessary for ensuring that the electrical system will be able to meet the building’s power needs. If you are planning a new building or upgrading an existing structure, it is critical to have accurate load calculations performed by a professional electrician. Contact the professionals at Tercero to learn more about how we can help with your electrical needs.

Installation

Commercial electrical services involve installing the necessary wiring and equipment for a business. They also include the installation of various lighting systems, including energy-efficient LED lights and specialized task lighting. They also install power distribution panels and circuit breakers to protect against overloads or short circuits.

Another common aspect of commercial electrical services is installing security systems to protect valuable assets. These include CCTV, access control, and alarms that keep the building safe. Additionally, they can also install emergency backup systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.

The installation process for commercial electrical services requires a high level of expertise and experience. This is because they must follow strict regulations and standards to ensure safety for employees and customers. This includes following a lockout/tagout procedure, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and completing ongoing safety training to keep up with industry trends and innovations.

Additionally, they must adhere to local and national electrical codes and regulations to protect against unsafe practices. This is especially crucial for businesses that operate in high-risk areas such as food production. This is why it’s critical to partner with a professional electrician that understands the intricacies of commercial electrical work.

As a result, commercial electrical service providers are typically experienced in handling a variety of power requirements and complex load calculations. In addition, they can provide comprehensive maintenance and support to help ensure the efficiency of your company’s electrical systems.

Maintenance

Commercial electrical systems are a critical part of the productivity, safety, and sustainability of businesses of all sizes. From large-scale manufacturing to quaint local shops, most commercial establishments run on expansive power distribution networks that need to be properly maintained to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

As a result, it’s important that commercial electricians follow standard maintenance procedures that include inspections and testing to spot potential problems early on. This prevents costly repairs and downtime and also helps establish a solid foundation of reliability for business operations.

Inspections can include checking fuses, wiring, and other electrical components to ensure they’re safe and working properly. These checks can also help identify and correct potential issues like uncovered wires or overheating, which can lead to electrical fires and other damage. Other inspections include verifying that power meters are functioning properly and making sure that all primary control points are operating within their normal parameters. GFCIs and AFCIs should be tested regularly for proper function, and any signs of deterioration or overheating should be addressed immediately.

In addition to performing preventative maintenance, commercial electricians can also perform corrective maintenance services when problems do arise. This may include troubleshooting and repairing lighting fixtures, power outlets, and other electrical equipment to determine the source of the problem and make necessary repairs.